The Fly Fishing Forum - The Best Fly Fishing News and Information focused on North America: SmithFly Launches Hassle-Free Modular Fly Fishing Gear with El Poquito
SmithFly Launches Hassle-Free Modular Fly Fishing Gear with El Poquito
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Editor on 21/11/2011 15:09:00
Designer and fly fishing blogger Ethan Smith has launched the SmithFly Designs
line of modular vests, bags, pouches, waist packs, and belts enabling fishermen
to easily carry and access their gear. All items are made in the United States.
SmithFly introduced its debut product, a pocket pouch called El Poquito, at the
International Fly Tackle Dealer convention in August. Its slim design keeps
essential tools close and frees fishermen from wearing a vest. In lieu of snaps
and Velcro, it features a magnetic clasp that holds tight to waders and belts.
“El Poquito is an example of design success in simplicity,” said Miles
Nolte, author of The Alaska Chronicles. “It’s incredibly effective for
keeping essential tools handy on the water. The magnetic closure is quick,
convenient, and surprisingly strong. I can clip it on anywhere: my pocket, in
between my shirt buttons, or around the strap of a bag. The genius of it is in
its flexibility.”
Cameron Mortenson, who writes the Fiberglass Manifesto blog, said “I recently
started using El Poquito and really like how it keeps everything close at hand.
It has become an essential accessory for all of my warm water and saltwater fly
fishing.”
A lifelong fly fisherman, Smith grew tired of fumbling with traditionally bulky
fishing gear and sweating beneath hot fishing vests. “Every time I went to get
something out of my vest, I felt like I was wrestling an octopus,” he said.
“I realized that the solution would be to create removable pockets that could
attach to my bag or waist belt.” Armed with his wife’s sewing machine, Smith
taught himself how to sew and built prototypes of his dream products. He
partnered with domestic contractors to adopt the same durable sewing techniques
as U.S. military products, and used the proceeds from writing a fly fishing
article for Gray’s Sporting Journal to start SmithFly.
“SmithFly is all about passion for fishing,” Smith said. “If fishermen
have a better, more enjoyable experience because of these products, I will have
accomplished my goal.”
(Watch out for a special launch offer coming to Fly Forum members from SmithFly
very soon - Ed!)
About SmithFly Designs
SmithFly Designs offers American made fly fishing vests, tackle bags, waist
packs, belts, and pouches with interchangeable parts that enable fly fishermen
to customize their gear. It was founded by designer and fly fishing blogger
Ethan Smith in 2010 and is based in Troy, Ohio. Visit smithfly.net for more
information.
Contact: Ethan Smith
614-595-4391; esmith@smithfly.net
Facebook.com/smithfly
Twitter.com/fiddleandcreel
smithfly.net